Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to children who have the greatest level of need and who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. The HSE aims to commence treatment for the majority of patients within two years of assessment with patients with greatest clinical need being prioritised for treatment.

I am aware that there are particular challenges at present in the south east as waiting times have been affected by difficulties in filling the orthodontist post for County Wexford. The vacancy has been re-advertised with a closing date of 14 November 2018. Subject to the outcome of this process, the HSE is hopeful that the post can be filled early in 2019.

In the meantime, there is currently a one-day-a week assessment and review service in Enniscorthy with a treatment service being offered in Waterford and Kilkenny locations. I appreciate that it is far from ideal but it ensures that patients from County Wexford are able to access services pending the filling of the vacant position. In order to help address long waiting times, in 2016, the HSE procured orthodontic services in primary care from a number of private service providers. I understand that 225 patients from the south east are being treated under this programme. I hope we will be successful in filling the vacant orthodontist post for County Wexford. The closing date is 14 November. Subject to a successful outcome, we will move to fill that post as quickly as possible so that it can be operational early in 2019, which should significantly improve the service for people in the south east.

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